Sebastian Birch poses for a photo Wednesday in the space where he plans to open The Encore Lounge, a new jazz lounge, early next year. (Jenny Sparks)

LOVELAND -- A local businessman who believes Loveland's nightlife needs "a little more life" is planning to open a new lounge downtown.

Sebastian Birch recently signed a lease on 314 E. Fourth St., Suite A, and is getting ready to start renovations.

He hopes to get The Encore Lounge open sometime after the first of the year.

Birch plans to split the long, narrow space in the building into two sections, with the kitchen in between. The front, he said, "is going to be a quieter, more romantic setting. ... Or you can go into the back room where it opens up with stages, where everything's happening.

"I'm hoping to get some jazz acts, some comedy on the weekends maybe, and open mic," he said.

Birch, a Loveland resident, said he was trained as a chef and has worked at Henry's, Old Chicago and briefly at the 4th Street Chophouse.

He said he'll be serving a "happy hour menu - nine or 10 dishes that aren't too big" such as crab cakes and mussels.

Drinks at the bar won't be too high-end, he said, although he's teaming up with his brother, who works in the wine business, to bring in an interesting list of premier wines.

Birch said he selected Loveland for his first business venture because he believes the demographics are right. "I just think the Loveland nightlife could use a little more life in it. Fort Collins already has enough things going on."

The 2,600-square-foot space for The Encore Lounge takes up the western half of the building that is occupied on the east by Aspen Photo & Design.

The 105-year-old building has a colorful past, according to architect Stacee Kersley, who's working with Birch on the renovation. She said it has housed a hardware store, an automobile showroom, a shoe store, a bowling alley and many other businesses.

Birch said he hopes to refinish the wood floors and possibly expose some of the old brick on the walls.

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